Swedish metal pioneers Destiny are mourning the loss of their former singer Therese Hanserot, who passed away on Jan. 17 at the age of 48. Hanserot was the original vocalist for the group, lending her voice for the band's first-ever demo and live show.

The then 18-year-old siren joined Destiny in the fall of 1982. Her poppy yet powerful voice helped launch the career of the band, who are now in their 30th year of playing heavy metal. After leaving Destiny, Hanserot sang for various cover bands before hanging up her mic for good.

Destiny guitarist Stefan Björnshög shared his memories of Hanserot on the band's official Facebook page:

At my 30th birthday party in 1990 we reconnected again, this time as friends. We realized that we had so much in common that never came to the surface in the band. For about two years we hanged out together before life once again took us into different paths.

Last year, 18 years later, in August, we reconnected through Facebook. And it didn't take long before we where engaged and in a wonderful loving relationship. Therese planed to start playing keyboards again and even agreed to sing a small part on one of the songs for the 30th anniversary album. Now that will not happen and I will forever carry the memory of Therese in my heart.

My sorrow is endless and the hurt is unbearable. I love you Therese!

Destiny, who helped pave the way for the numerous Swedish metal acts who have emerged in the past few decades, are currently working on a 30th anniversary album, 'The Incompatibility of Philosophical Terminology,' as well as another disc called 'Global Warming.'